Xiaomi Redmi 3S is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016, still in use by many users.Over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or simply requires a “clean start” before selling.In such cases, a factory reset helps - a procedure that returns the phone to its original state, removing all user data, apps and settings.
In this article, we will discuss in detail three official ways to reset: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot. You will learn how to properly prepare for the procedure, what errors can occur and how to avoid them. And what to do if Redmi 3S is not enabled or blocked by a password. The instructions are valid for all versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware) and do not require root rights.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start
Before you start resetting, be sure to follow these steps – they will help you avoid losing important data and problems in the process:
- 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (in the Settings menu) → Additionally, or third-party services like Google Drive. Especially important to save: Contacts (synchronize with Google account) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud), SMS and call logs (applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, the phone may stop turning on.
- 📋 Remember your Mi Account details. After the reset, you will need to reauthorize, especially if you have enabled Device Protection (Mi Cloud Lock).
- 🔌 Prepare the cable. USB (If you are planning to reset via Fastboot, it is better to use the original cable from Xiaomi.
If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings → Mi Account → Sign Out) otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device due to the account being blocked.
⚠️ Note: On models with an unlocked bootloader, a Fastboot reset may result in a loss of boot capacity.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)
This is the easiest and safest method, which is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require a connection to a PC.
Instructions:
- Open the settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Select Reset (or Reset all settings in new versions of MIUI).
- Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
- When a request appears, enter a password / pattern lock (if installed).
- Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.
The phone will automatically restart and start the reset process, and the Mi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen, and don't turn the device off at this point, as this can damage system files.
Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged
Keep all important data
Remember the password from the Mi Account
Sign out of your Google account (if you use Factory Reset Protection)
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Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)
This method will be useful if:
- 🔐 Forgot the screen unlock password;
- 🐢 The phone is slow and does not respond to touch;
- 🔄 You need to reset the settings without logging in.
To log into Recovery on Redmi 3S, use a button combination:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
- Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
In Recovery, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.
- Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).
- Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.
⚠️ Note: If the error in Recovery is Can't mount /data, This means that the data partition is damaged, and in this case, only flashing through the Fastboot will help.
What if the sensor in Recovery is not working?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method requires a connection to a PC and is used in extreme cases:
- 🖥️ The phone does not turn on at all (brick);
- 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update;
- 🔓 Requires to unlock the loader.
The work will require:
- Windows computer;
- Installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website);
- Mi Flash Tool program;
- Original. USB-cable.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder (download it in advance from Xiaomi’s website for the Redmi 3S model).
- Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
| Mode in Mi Flash Tool | What's he doing? | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Clean All | Full reset + flashing | If the phone is not turned on or a clean firmware is required |
| Clean All and Lock | Reset + lock loader | If you need to return the stock firmware and block the bootloader |
| Save User Data | Flashing without losing data | If you need to update the software, but save files |
⚠️ Warning: Using Clean All and Lock mode on an unlocked bootloader will make it impossible to re-unblock for 720 hours (30 days) and is only intended to return to a fully drained state.
1. Reinstall the driver manually through Device Manager.
2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
3. disable driver signatures in Windows (for this, reboot your PC with Shift key clamped).-->
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.
- 🚫 Fastboot: Means the bootloader is locked. Solution: Unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires linking your Mi Account to the device).
- ⚡ Phone doesn't turn on after reset: Maybe the firmware is interrupted or the boot partition is damaged. Try flashing it back through Fastboot with Clean All mode option.
- 🔒 Requires a password after reset (Mi Cloud Lock): If you did not log out of your Mi Account before reset, the phone will require you to enter the data of the previous owner. Solution: enter your username / password from the Mi Account associated with the device.
- 📱 Hanging on the Mi logo after the reset: Most likely, the firmware is damaged. perform a reset via Recovery or reflash the phone in Fastboot.
If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem with the hardware (e.g. damaged eMMC memory), in which case we recommend contacting the service center.
💡
Before resetting via Fastboot, always check the firmware version.Installing the inappropriate version can lead to a brick of the device.
What to do after a reset
After a successful reset, the Redmi 3S will launch as new.
- Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Google services).
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in to your Mi Account (if it was tied before the reset).
- Restore data from the backup (if you created it in advance).
- Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
If you dropped your phone before selling:
- 📦 Make sure all data is deleted (check gallery, messages, accounts).
- 🔄 Perform another reset via the settings menu (for reliability).
- 📄 Keep a check or reset confirmation (in case of disputes with the buyer).
Tip: After reset, disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Apps to free up memory and increase performance.